A. Aubletii and cathartica (which is, perhaps, the same) are fine species. 3 uld garve A. Wardleana, the subject of our illustration, is perhaps the finest, as it is the most recently-introduced species. We copy the following remarks upon its characteristics from "The Floral Magazine," to which we are also indebted for our illustration: "A fierce and strong battle has been waged during the last season with regard to the different allamandas in cultivation, not only as to which was the best, but as to their identity. Into the merits of this controversy it is not our intention to enter, especially as they are now in course of trial at the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick. We have only to bring under notice one which for its qualities is likely to be a general favorite, and which has been exhibited by Mr. Ranley Tanton of the Epsom Nurseries, to whom we are indebted for the following remarks : "The plant was introduced from New Grenada, and is as distinct from all other species as possible. With all the art I can bring to bear upon their culture at the present time, Schotti, Cathartica, Grandiflora, Parensis, Aubletii, Nobilis, Hendersonii, are all deciduous and at rest: and in the same stove I have the plant which has been in flower since the 5th of March last; also some young ones, all in full, glossy, vigorous foliage, and in full flower, as exhibited at the Floral Committee, South Kensington, on Tuesday, Dec. 15. This, even of itself, is a sufficient guaranty of its being a distinct species. There were upwards of a hundred blooms on the plant exhibited on the above day: and at this season it is really a desirable plant; for the blooms come in now with their unusual color for dinner-table decoration and for cut-flower work. We exhibited the other day a small plant in sixty pots, bearing a flower from the corymb these blossoms had previously dropped.' "We need add nothing to the above; remarking only, that the deeper color of the throat and the deep maroon-color of the outer side of the flower mark its distinctiveness." E. S. Rand, Fun. PARLOR-PLANTS. — No. III. THERE is no better plant for window-culture than the cyclamen. Neat in foliage, easily cared for, beautiful in flower, and of low habit, it seems especially adapted for growing where but little room can be afforded. It also thrives well in an atmosphere where many plants suffer, as it is but little affected by the unconsumed gases which pervade the air of most rooms heated by furnaces, or where illuminating gas is used. In some varieties, the foliage is most beautifully marbled, dark green and white; and, in all, the contrast between the upper and lower surface of the leaves is very pleasing. In the flowers, there is an endless variety: first, the species differ greatly in form and color; and, secondly, the varieties sport into infinite number of shades, varying in intensity even on the same plant, according to the age of the flower. Another recommendation is the permanency of the flowers, which remain in perfection many weeks. A plant in our window has been in bloom now (Feb. 1) three weeks, and will continue in good condition for at least a month longer. During the past few years, great attention has been paid in England to the culture of this plant; and the horticultural journals have been filled with cultural reports and discussions about species and varieties. We do not propose to even state the different theories, as our limits forbid, but would refer those curious upon the subject to "The Cottage Gardener," 1867, 1868, 1869, passim. The summer and autumn blooming species, of which C. Europeum and its varieties are examples, are not specially adapted for parlor-culture, as they bloom at a season when flowers are not wanted in the house. C. coum, Neapolitanum, repandum, and vernum are all fine species; but it is to Cyclamen Persicum and its numerous varieties that we must look for the winter adornment of our windows. In this species the leaves are heart-shaped, toothed at the edge; deep green with gray or white marbling, and pale flesh color on the under side: they vary much, however, on seedlings. The flowers vary from pure white to deep scarlet, have very long petals, and are generally deliciously fra grant. C. Atkinsi is a beautiful hybrid between C. Persicum and coum, with scentless flowers of various shades of white and red: it is a winter-bloomer, but does not thrive as well with parlor-culture as C. Persicum. The soil for cyclamen should be a mixture of leaf-mould and sharp sand, with the addition of a little peat and turfy loam, if they can be procured. These should be well mixed, but not made very fine. Pot the bulbs, in September or October, in pots about three times the diameter of the bulb, with good drainage, so that the crown of the bulb will be just above the surface of the soil. Water, and place the pots in a warm place, keeping the soil only damp until growth begins. Then place them in a sunny window, and give plenty of light and air; being careful never to let them flag for want of water. They will soon show bloom. After the blossoms have faded, remove the seed-vessels (unless seed is wanted); and, when the foliage begins to fade, gradually withhold water, and after a few weeks give none at all. Place the pots out of direct sunshine, but never allow the bulb to shrivel. A good plan is to bury the pots in the open ground in the summer, covering them about a foot deep: the bulbs come out in the autumn plump and sound, in the best condition for an early start. Cyclamen are propagated by seed, which should be sown about February, and which, with ordinary culture of drying off each summer, bloom the third year; but they may be forced on so as to bloom in half that time by shortening the season of rest. Could we have but one window-plant, we should choose a cyclamen. There is no more fragrant flower than the Mahernia, and it is well adapted for window-culture. All the species, of which there are more than a dozen, are pretty, low shrubs, natives of the Cape of Good Hope. They have all been long in cultivation, and are favorite inmates of our greenhouses. The most common species is that ordinarily called M. odorata, but more properly M. glabrata, which is a favorite with florists, from the delicacy of its fragrant yellow flowers. This plant thrives well and blooms profusely under window-culture, scenting the whole room when in bloom. The soil should be loam and sandy peat in about equal proportions, with good drainage. Give plenty of air and sun, and be careful the plants do not suffer for want of water. During the summer, plunge the pots in the ground, and repot in autumn; but be careful not to disturb the roots, as the plants do not transplant easily. Cuttings strike freely in sandy soil under a bell-glass or tumbler, and if rooted in spring, and well grown during the summer, will make nice blooming plants by the following autumn. The foliage of these plants is neat, finely cut; and the species are seldom troubled with insects. They may be had in bloom from January to May, according to the amount of heat given. A charming bulb for window-culture is the Oxalis in its many species, of which there are about a hundred and fifty. Of these, however, very few are in cultivation, and many are not bulbous. Some are well-known wild plants, and a few are hardy inhabitants of our gardens. The blossoms are generally very pretty, and freely produced; and the foliage is very neat, and often elegant, They require but little care, except to avoid over-watering. The proper soil is loam, peat, and sand. As the bulbs are small, several should be planted in the pot to produce a good effect. : Most of the species in greenhouse cultivation are natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and require the ordinary treatment of Cape bulbs which, is simply to pot them in October; water slightly until they begin to grow; then give plenty of air and light; increase the supply of water until the flowers have faded, and the foliage begins to turn yellow; then gradually withhold water, and dry off the plant. The best species for house-culture are O. versicolor, a charming plant, well adapted for hanging-baskets: flowers white inside, red outside, and very pretty when half expanded. O. Boweii, large rosy flowers, blooming in early autumn. O. flava, a fine species, bearing a profusion of fragrant yellow blossoms. O. luxula and the variety alba have large pink or white blossoms, and are very effective; but all the Cape species are pretty, and worth growing. E. S. Rand, Fun. GLEN RIDGE, February, 1869. (To be continued.) |